The Flying Rip Quiz

"You may think that a church that cares for lost people is normal. The average church on the corner of Elm and Vine doesn't give a flying rip about people far from God. They're an annoyance. They use bad words. They sleep in the wrong bed. They drink too much booze. They're an annoyance."

That's what a noted pastor and Christian leader recently announced to hundreds of evangelical pastors at a leadership conference. While we may wince at the statement, let's not be too hasty in dismissing it as convenient conference rhetoric. Can we find any evidence to support such an inflammatory assertion? Well, let's go to work and do some research. Take the LBTP "Flying Rip Quiz" and see how your church fares.

LBTP Flying Rip Quiz

Does the Senior Pastor regularly encourage members to build close relationships with the people in their neighborhoods?

Do congregation members feel equipped and motivated to share their story with others in a meaningful way?

If visiting for the first time, would outsiders say your church is user friendly?

Do congregation members often bring friends to church?

Does the senior leadership team regularly spend time planning and praying for church wide outreach projects?

Is there a designated or paid staff member tasked with leading outreach projects?

Has someone measured the church's effectiveness in reaching the community?

Take a moment and tally your score on the quiz. If you had more than two "no" answers, you may very well fall into the "no flying rip" category mentioned in the first paragraph. If you did score low, take courage and action! Find both spiritual and practical resources to change the course of your church and ministry. Become a church that gives a flying rip!

What's Your Agenda?

"Hey, you're pushing your agenda!" Has anyone ever thrown down that gauntlet before you, thinking that in shame you would fess up to the charge and sulk away humiliated?

Those who are leaders will be confronted with the accusation at one time or another. Mainly because their lives are governed by exactly that, an agenda. For Christian leaders, the agenda is hopefully not their own, but one God has planted within them. It's like a prism embedded in their brain, a filter covering their eyes. Everything they experience travels through the lens of the projected reality.

Accusing a leader of having an agenda is akin to bemoaning the musician's inclination to make music. Leaders are acutely aware of their agenda... it's what keeps them awake late at night, and it's what pushes them out of bed early in the morning. What the critics label as an agenda, the leader sees as a divine mission. It's a cause far more important than personal comfort or acclaim. The call to complete their mission is their raison d'etre.

In his book, Jesus on Leadership, C. Gene Wilkes relates a personal story from his early days as pastor. He was endeavoring to implement some changes and one of the elders confronted him at a business meeting, accusing him of having an agenda. In humorous fashion, Pastor Wilkes relates the feeling of satisfaction he experienced after the intended rebuke. He had spent the previous year casting vision, now someone had finally caught hold of it!

Joseph experienced the accusatory rhetoric and hurtful actions of his brothers who misread him. They saw him as an agenda-driven prima donna. But it was Joseph's acute awareness and commitment to the future that would fuel him during the most barren season imaginable. His life was in servitude to the mission God ordained for him; a lesser man would not have survived the arduous journey to Egypt.

The day finally came when Joseph was able to step into the role he envisioned years before. The grace he was able to extend to all who had doubted him speaks volumes of the Godly character the years had instilled within him. From his youth he understood the call to rule, but it was only as his family willingly followed him to Egypt that he would realize his role as leader - a man who successfully ushered God's people to their appointment with destiny. (Genesis 37)

Apocalyptic Wonder

To both the literary critic and disciple of Christ, the Bible stands as an intriguing and inspiring book. It contains an interesting variety of literary styles, and to devout believers, provides piercing and persuasive communiques from their God.

-

Its story begins in Genesis with an overview of how all things began by the will and word of God; it moves on to Exodus and then to the conquests of Joshua, followed by Psalms, and Solomon's books of wisdom. The writings of the prophets lead us forward to the New Testament, with its four opening biographies. They are followed by the Book of Acts, a history of a persecuted but victorious church, and thereafter by twenty-one inspired letters written to first century believers. Everywhere the eye falls, there are passages jam packed with insight, inspiration, and lessons for knowing and responding to God.

Then comes the dreaded book - Revelation; most all of us would avoid it if we could. That isn't an option, however. In chapter one verse three, we are told that the book should be read by everyone, and those that do so will be blessed. Even as a serious Bible student, I have often wondered about the "blessing" of this book - a genre of literature crafted by using bizarre images and strange symbols. To me, it seems ripe for wild and crazy interpretations.

To the Bible geeks -- those who revel in scriptural minutiae and obscurities, Revelation is their exegetical Super Bowl. The book has produced an endless playing field for unbelievably complicated and preposterous propositions that likely leave God Himself scratching his head in wonderment. Novices can be paralyzed by all the interpretive speculation, and many pastors hesitate to publicly wander through the maze, fearing the discussions that could emerge from such a study. For protection, many leaders default to the safety of their professor's Bible School explanation.

So, here is my challenge to those dazed and bedazzled by the book of Revelation: If your study has left you feeling confused and inadequate, may I suggest that your approach to the book of Revelation might be somewhat askew. As the Bible geeks assert their complicated and confusing matrix of information, take a chance and tune them out; allow the scriptures to project their own clear and simple message -- approach the book without their charts and graphs. After all, we can all agree that the Bible was never meant to be rocket science.

I've come to the conclusion that while speculative Bible interpretation can make for compelling conferences and best selling books, there does seem to be some doubt about the message contained beneath those attractive and clever titles. (Revelation 1:3)

Off The Edge

Have you ever been pushed to the edge, been so stressed out by unyielding circumstances or unruly people that you were ready to do the the unthinkable? Our surroundings can somtimes push us to places we would never think of going - even off the edge.

At one time or another, all of us have been tempted to jettison the whole God thing. There are seasons when no matter where we look or what we do, evidence of divine intervention simply can't be observed or measured. It seems those who sneer at God are more prosperous and happy than those who worship Him.

Somewhere around the turn of the first millenium B.C., a musician and poet recorded his own struggles with the issue of God's presence in his world. Asaph, a worship leader for David, wrote about his episodes with depresson and despair. He wrote: "Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But for me, I came close to the edge of the cliff! My feet where slipping, and I was almost gone." What a great word picture. Likely, each of us was transported to our own moment in time - a past, or perhaps a present moment when we almost lost our footing; we were about to slip off the edge.

It is at those moments that God invaribly shows up, as we teeter at the edge of the abyss. Somehow, we miraculously find firm soil that halts the momentum of our slide; our hand mysteriously finds a crevice and our balance is re-established.

So we inch our way back into the mainstream... back to the laughter, joy, and pleasure of life, a place of confidence and fellowship with God. Then we are able to look back and see how bitter and jaded we had become and recognize the pain inflicted by what our eyes had seen.

If we reflect on our off-the-edge near miss a bit longer, we'll also see the Good Shepherd's loving presence in our lives. He was there on the cliff with his strong and loving hand poised to catch us, just in case our doubts and fears caused us to lose our footing and send us off the edge. (Psalms 73; John 15:4)

Be A Man!

Accomplishing great exploits in the kingdom of God requires men and women with both a pure heart and the skills necessary for leadership. For each new city taken, new leaders will need to emerge. For every new spurt of church growth, new pastors will need to blossom. For every new outreach planned, young evangelists will need to sound the call, and for every new believers class, budding teachers will need to step behind the podium.

The maxim is true... everything rises and falls on leadership. Changing the world requires Godly and gifted leaders. As young men and women embrace their call to ministry, they need to be aware of the leadership qualities clearly extolled in God's word, lest they stumble and risk debilitating and painful injuries.

Effective churches will be lead by men and women who are committed to realizing both the qualities and possibilities found within their call. Believers are looking for clear direction regarding growth and movement; they are searching for a voice that will inspire and motivate them.

As a young man, David established a reputation that quickly ushered him into the corridors of influence and power. Consider the five reasons David was recruited for Saul's staff:
1) He distinguished himself -identified and developed the gifts God gave him.
2) He was a warrior - determined and relentless in accomplishing things.
3) He was prudent and discerning - decision making that was thoughtful and informed.
4) He looked and acted like a leader - a persona that was attractive and authentic.
5) He was anointed - depended upon God's power for results.

As David reached the close of his life and commissioned Solomon to build the temple, his instruction was for Solomon to "rise to the occasion." Aspiring leaders in every generation need to understand that times will often get difficult for the person in charge. Though David pretty much set up Solomon with all he needed for success, his concern was about Solomon's toughness for seeing the job through to the end. His challenge was short and to the point: "Be strong therefore and show yourself a man."

God desires his church to touch the whole world with the Good News. To walk in the fullness of that commission, we must "show ourselves as men" -- walking out our mission with skill, strength, and determination. (ISamuel 16:18)

The Fairness Test

Both Ezra and Samuel were inspired to write the same powerful statement in summarizing the rule of King David. With divine sweeps of inspiration, they both left clear evidence he was a unique leader: "David reigned over all Israel and was fair to everyone."

Pretty impressive, wouldn't you say? A king with unlimited power... with every excuse and opportunity to use people for selfish reasons, characterized by others as a king who treated everyone fairly.

The two passages are posited in interesting points in David's story. In 1 Samuel, the comment follows a listing of military victories and immediately before his invitation for Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son, to come live in his palace. The fairness statement is comfortably placed between David the mighty warrior, and David the servant, who stooped to care for the underprivileged and honor past friendships.

In 1 Chronicles the fairness statement is found following Ezra's remarks about David's military prowess, and immediately preceding an extensive list of people serving as David's staff, among whom were his sons.

What a challenge to business people and Christian leaders. Can we be fair as both warriors and advocates for the poor and underprivileged? Can we be known as fair-minded in the corporate board room and when we return to our office and support staff? How would others evaluate your fairness as a leader?

David's secret for inspiring leadership was his understanding that he was both king and servant. His power was not for self aggrandizement but rather to enable and assist others to achieve fulfillment and greatness in their life. Perhaps that is why Israel was so powerful during David's reign. All who interacted with David walked away from their meetings empowered and inspired -- staff and servants alike! Everyone stood ready to do battle for their fair-minded king. (2Samuel 23:3,4)

Tis the Season

The magical time of year is fast approaching. Thanksgiving is on the horizon, and once the turkey is eaten, the holiday season will begin to daily rock our world. In a variety of ways the influence of Christmas has intensified over the years; it has become much more than one event at the end of December. With careful attention we can see that the sparkle of Christmas Day significantly brightens our entire year. Christmas, though afar off, impacts our lives even now in October.

During my childhood, the arrival of Christmas brought euphoric levels of expectation and excitement. Weeks before the celebration, the blessings of the day could be experienced. Baked goods, candy, relatives' visits, and times of good cheer all assured me of the coming of that special day when my wildest dreams of gift receiving would come to pass.

The Kingdom of God should be likewise understood. There is an "already," and a "not yet" dimension to the Kingdom of God. Many times Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God as having already come -- at other times he spoke of it in the future. Paul likewise understood the coming of the Holy Spirit as evidence of God's kingdom on earth, but refers to Him as the "first fruits" of a future glory.

The giving of ministry and spiritual gifts to the church clearly suggests that the "already" of God's kingdom is one of partialness - "looking through a darkened glass." Supernatural events, such as healing and miracles, clearly indicate that the Kingdom of God is not fully here - thus the need for miracles. Yes, in one sense it is here and there is a clear supernatural dimension and expression. But on the other hand there is a "not yet" revelation of the Kingdom in the future. The effects of sin still remain in our world. Satan is falling, but is not yet completely bound. The glory and power of God's Kingdom is expanding, but will not be fully revealed until Jesus returns and sets up His new eternal Kingdom on earth.

So in this life we can anticipate many blessings related to our "sons and daughters" status. There are abundant blessings available during this "first fruit" season. We belong to him; He lives within us and is working through the church. As believers, we embrace God's purpose and plan...we endeavor to daily walk it out, and he confirms his presence with signs and wonders. But the day of full divine experience and revelation is not yet.

As a child, during the weeks leading up to Christmas day, I would diligently search for the presents that were hidden away. I would ask Dad and Mom to give me one or two in advance, appeal to their love for me as a son - all to no avail. They reminded me that the Christmas season brought many privileges and blessings, but I would have to wait for that special day - Christmas. Then, all the beautifully wrapped gifts would be mine to enjoy. Maranatha! (Romans 8:18-25)

Being Teflon

Of all the leaders in my lifetime, Ronald Reagan stands head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. Perhaps it was his gift as an actor and entertainer, maybe his style and quiet confidence, but I loved the man - he inspired me.

Inheriting a depressed economy and a poor national self-image, Ronald Reagan proved he had the ability to evoke optimism and pride within the nation; as a result, he emerged as a strong and effective leader. Yes, he was a Republican, which brought political baggage. He was an ideologue, which incensed many, and he was a Hollywood actor, which tarnished his lustrous personality. But he prevailed.

A quality that endured through his years of public service was his unique ability to brush off problems and criticism. The insults and barbs leveled against him, the failures and mistakes that would have hamstrung many, fell harmlessly at his feet. He could shrug them off with an optimistic quip and move on without the slightest bristle. Some called him the Teflon president - nothing negative seemed to stick with him or to him.

What an incredible characterization of a leader. Few have been able to live there; it takes a very secure man or woman to exude that kind of persona. Such leaders understand and embrace their destiny; they realize they were born for such a time, and they live each moment as if it were a divine appointment.

Reagan's strength grew from an awareness that he was God's leading man. He aggressively and passionately lived out his divine role as president in the same way he portrayed his larger-than-life characters on the big screen. He was confident as a leading man; the world was his stage and the spotlight was ordained to be his.

Leaders will always be punched and sniped at; they will be scorned and jeered. But if they know they are God's leading men and women, they will respond with confidence, grace, and optimism. Following true Reaganesque form, the assassination attempts can become events that define our character.

When someone scores a direct hit, we can seize the moment and become inspiring leaders. Like Reagan after being shot, we can remain objective and inspirational. In the midst of adversity and pain, we can brush off antagonism as merely a part of the divine script - a moment for heroism.

Reagan's humorous moment with Nancy after the assassin's attack spoke volumes about the inner strength and purpose he maintained as President. Unshaken by the circumstances, he teased, "Sorry honey, I forgot to duck." In that moment, a nation embraced Ronald Reagan as a true American icon - a leader, who in his most vulnerable moment, showed a people how to be courageous in its calling and destiny. Perhaps there is no greater role as a leading man.

Unsettled and Alarmed

The news was shocking and unsettling. Reports told of people being beaten, raped, and killed in the New Orleans Superdome -- a place of refuge during the recent hurricane and flooding. Witnesses spoke of seeing the atrocities first hand, relaying the sordid details to a press looking for a shocking headline.

With time, most of the violent crime stories that spun out of the Superdome campsite were exposed as only rumors. As horrible as the entire fiasco was, the reports were proven to be either sick pranks, or efforts to advance someones agenda. Nevertheless, we can all attest to their alarming impact on us.

In leading a young church, the Apostle Paul was aware that wild stories, false prophecies, and erroneous teaching could alarm the church and unsettle the new congregations scattered around Asia and beyond. In his second letter to the Thessalonians, he warns: "Do not become easily unsettled or alarmed by prophecies, reports, or letters..." There were questionable prophecies, reports, and teachings going around, even during the very supernaturally charged first century. It seems they were a chronic problem.

Have you recently heard a minister warning his fellowship of similar concerns? Some leaders are hesitant to raise the issue of false teachings, prophecies, or tainted reports, by reason that they may be "partially" true. Paul didn't seem to share that concern. He knew the revelation given to him was the only target, anything outside that bulls eye was simply missing the mark -- it would only be alarming and unsettling to the church. Oft-times, the "truth filter" remains an unused ministry tool in leadership; we are cautious not to sift too fine, for fear we might alienate people and lose the larger audience. As a result, our flocks can become unsettled and alarmed; their natural growth and reproductive instincts stunted.

In the light of Paul's Thessalonian concern, his further exhortation to the Philippian believers takes a more urgent tone: "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are right... think about such things." In essence he is saying: when we embrace the proper mindset or discipline in our faith, the Christian community will be settled and peaceful.

In our crazy, hectic, anything goes world, a church that is settled and peaceful will be an appealing place - an attraction to many. As leaders, let's not be timid in identifying the unsettling and alarming issues that face us; keep the "truth filter" in place. It will help keep our churches spiritually charged -- places where people can find peace and rest. (Matthew 11:28 -30)

God's Green Acres

The prophet Micah makes an astounding statement about our God. His proclamation highlights God's intention toward Israel - even though they seemed hell-bent on disobedience and all out rebellion. In the final chapter of Micah, with his final paragraph, God moves Micah's hand to predict mercy rather than judgment - freedom rather than prison. God promises mercy to those in covenant with him.

The words ring out a melody that should cause the whole world to sing. Micah writes, "You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because You delight in showing mercy." Too few stay very long in that world of mercy... We strangely gravitate to the dungeon of condemnation and guilt. Some inner force seems to drive us there -- the gravelly voice from Hades persuasively corrals us down the briared pathway. There we sit in our deceptive spell - convinced that those around us must be guilty too, deserving of the same misery. So we raise the gnarled finger of judgment with a strength more forceful than our own.

But freedom can be ours... We can escape the dark inner cell by embracing God's endless supply of mercy each day. In turn, our open hand of mercy can replace the pointed finger of judgment. Harmony can dispel strife, affection overcome anger.

So we see a choice in our journey as believers: the steep and briared pathway to dark inner pain, or the joy and peace of God's green acres -- a life immersed in His mercy.